Photoshop users on Mac often encounter the frustrating "scratch disks are full" error, which can bring creative work to a screeching halt. This issue occurs when Photoshop runs out of temporary storage space on your hard drive.
To fix this problem, you can clear cache files, delete temporary files, or change the scratch disk location in Photoshop's preferences.
We'll explore various methods to resolve this error and get you back to editing. From simple file cleanup techniques to more advanced storage optimization strategies, we've got you covered.
By implementing these solutions, you'll not only fix the current issue but also prevent it from happening in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Clear Photoshop cache and temporary files to free up scratch disk space
- Change scratch disk location in Photoshop preferences for better performance
- Regularly maintain and optimize Mac storage to prevent scratch disk issues
Understanding Scratch Disks in Photoshop
Scratch disks play a crucial role in Photoshop's performance. They provide temporary storage for operations and data that exceed available RAM.
What Are Scratch Disks?
Scratch disks are hard drive spaces that Photoshop uses as virtual memory when working on large files or complex projects. We can think of them as an extension of our computer's RAM.
By default, Photoshop uses the system drive as the primary scratch disk. However, we can designate other drives for this purpose.
Using fast solid-state drives (SSDs) as scratch disks can significantly improve Photoshop's performance. It's best to allocate at least 20GB of free space for scratch disks.
Common Scratch Disk Errors
The most frequent issue we encounter is the "scratch disks are full" error. This occurs when Photoshop runs out of allocated scratch disk space.
Causes of this error include:
- Insufficient free space on the designated scratch disk
- Corrupted Photoshop preference files
- Temporary files not properly deleted
To resolve these issues, we can try:
- Clearing Photoshop's cache
- Freeing up space on the scratch disk
- Changing the scratch disk location
- Resetting Photoshop preferences
Regular maintenance of our scratch disks helps prevent these errors and ensures smooth operation of Photoshop.
Identifying the Causes of Full Scratch Disks
Scratch disk issues in Photoshop on Mac often stem from specific sources. We'll examine the main culprits behind this common problem.
Temporary Files and Cache Buildup
Photoshop creates numerous temporary files during editing sessions. These files accumulate over time, consuming valuable disk space.
The Photoshop cache can grow significantly, especially when working with large files or complex projects. This cache stores image data for quick access but can quickly fill up scratch disks.
We recommend regularly clearing temporary files and the Photoshop cache. This practice helps maintain optimal performance and prevents scratch disk errors.
To manage cache buildup:
- Close Photoshop
- Delete temporary files from designated scratch disk locations
- Clear the Photoshop cache through the application's preferences
Insufficient RAM and Storage Space
Limited RAM forces Photoshop to rely more heavily on scratch disks. This increased usage can rapidly deplete available storage.
When our Mac's storage is nearly full, Photoshop struggles to allocate sufficient scratch disk space. This situation often triggers the "scratch disks are full" error.
To address these issues:
- Upgrade RAM if possible
- Free up storage space on the primary drive
- Use an external drive as a scratch disk
We can also optimize Photoshop's performance settings to better manage RAM usage and reduce reliance on scratch disks.
Clearing Scratch Disk Space on Mac
When Photoshop's scratch disks fill up on a Mac, it can slow down performance or cause errors. We'll explore two effective methods to free up space: deleting temporary files and using CleanMyMac to clear purgeable space.
Delete Photoshop Temporary Files
Photoshop creates temporary files during editing that can accumulate over time. To remove these:
- Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G
- Enter ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop [version]/
- Look for folders named "Temp" and delete their contents
- Empty the Trash
We can also search for .tmp files in Finder and delete those starting with "pst". This process helps free up valuable scratch disk space without affecting your actual project files.
Clear Purgeable Space Using CleanMyMac
CleanMyMac X is a powerful tool for managing disk space on Macs. To clear purgeable space:
- Open CleanMyMac X
- Navigate to the Space Lens feature
- Run a scan to visualize disk usage
- Select unnecessary files and folders
- Click "Remove" to delete them
This tool helps identify and remove large, unused files that may be taking up scratch disk space. It's particularly effective for clearing caches and temporary files across your system, not just those related to Photoshop.
Configuring Photoshop Preferences
Properly configuring Photoshop preferences can significantly improve performance and resolve scratch disk issues. We'll explore how to reset Photoshop preferences and manage scratch disk settings effectively.
Reset Photoshop Preferences
Resetting Photoshop preferences can often resolve various issues, including scratch disk errors. To reset Photoshop preferences, we recommend the following steps:
- Close Photoshop completely
- Press and hold Shift + Option + Command (Mac) while launching Photoshop
- Click "Yes" when prompted to delete the Adobe Photoshop Settings file
This process will restore default settings and may fix corrupted preference files that can affect scratch disk handling.
We advise backing up any custom settings before resetting preferences. After resetting, you'll need to reconfigure your preferences, including scratch disk settings.
Managing Scratch Disk Preferences
Effective management of scratch disk preferences is crucial for optimal Photoshop performance. We can set up scratch disks by following these guidelines:
- Choose a drive with ample free space and fast read/write speeds
- Allocate up to four volumes for scratch disk space
- Avoid using the system drive as a scratch disk when possible
To configure scratch disk preferences:
- Go to Photoshop > Preferences > Scratch Disks (Mac)
- Select or deselect drives using the checkboxes
- Use arrow buttons to change the order of scratch disks
We recommend regularly clearing Photoshop's cache and temporary files to free up scratch disk space. This can be done through Photoshop's Edit > Purge > All command.
Optimizing Mac Storage for Photoshop
Efficient storage management is crucial for smooth Photoshop performance on Mac. We'll explore using external drives as scratch disks and effective ways to free up storage space.
External Drives as Scratch Disks
Using an external drive as a scratch disk can significantly improve Photoshop's performance. We recommend selecting a fast SSD for optimal results. To set it up, connect the external drive to your Mac and launch Photoshop.
Go to Photoshop > Preferences > Scratch Disks. Here, you can select your external drive as the primary scratch disk. Ensure you uncheck the startup disk to prevent Photoshop from using it for temporary files.
Remember to restart Photoshop after making these changes. This configuration allows Photoshop to use the external drive for temporary file storage, reducing the load on your main hard drive.
Freeing Up Storage Space
To optimize your Mac's storage for Photoshop, it's essential to maintain ample free space on your hard drive. We suggest regularly cleaning up unnecessary files and optimizing your storage.
Start by checking your storage usage through the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage. Identify large files you no longer need and delete them. Empty your trash to reclaim that space.
Consider moving large files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Utilize macOS's built-in storage optimization features to automatically remove old files and store infrequently used items in iCloud.
Regularly clear Photoshop's cache to free up space. In Photoshop, go to Edit > Purge > All to remove temporary data.
Regular Maintenance to Prevent Scratch Disk Issues
Keeping our Mac and Photoshop running smoothly requires consistent upkeep. We'll explore how to clean up system junk and manage storage proactively to avoid scratch disk problems.
Routine Cleaning of System Junk
We recommend performing regular cleanups to prevent system junk from accumulating. Start by emptying the Trash and clearing browser caches weekly.
Use built-in macOS tools like Storage Management to identify and remove unnecessary files. We can access this by clicking the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage.
To tackle Photoshop-specific clutter, we should purge the cache regularly. In Photoshop, go to Edit > Purge > All. This removes temporary data that can bog down performance.
Consider using third-party cleaning apps for more thorough maintenance. These tools can help remove language files, old backups, and other space-hogging items we might miss.
Proactive Storage Management
Effective storage management is crucial for preventing "scratch disk full" errors. We suggest maintaining at least 20% free space on our main drive.
Regularly review and delete large, unnecessary files. Use Finder's list view and sort by size to quickly identify space-hungry items.
Moving Photoshop's scratch disk to a separate drive can significantly improve performance. To do this, go to Photoshop > Preferences > Scratch Disks and select a different drive.
Consider investing in external storage for less frequently used files. This frees up space on our main drive, giving Photoshop more room to work.
Set up automated backups to an external drive or cloud service. This allows us to confidently delete local copies of old projects, freeing up valuable space.
Backup and Recovery Strategies
Implementing robust backup and recovery strategies is crucial for preventing data loss when dealing with Photoshop's scratch disk issues on Mac. We'll explore cloud storage solutions and Photoshop's built-in auto-recovery feature to safeguard your work.
Utilizing Cloud Storage
Cloud storage offers a reliable way to back up Photoshop files and prevent data loss due to scratch disk problems. We recommend using services like Adobe Creative Cloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive to automatically sync your work.
To set up cloud backups:
- Choose a cloud storage provider
- Install their desktop application
- Configure automatic syncing for your Photoshop project folders
This approach ensures your files are continuously backed up, even if scratch disk issues occur. We suggest keeping local copies as well for redundancy.
Cloud storage also allows easy access to your files from multiple devices, facilitating collaboration and providing peace of mind.
Photoshop's Auto-Recovery Feature
Photoshop includes an auto-recovery feature that can save your work in case of unexpected crashes or scratch disk failures. To maximize its effectiveness:
- Enable auto-recovery in Photoshop preferences
- Set a shorter auto-save interval (e.g., every 5-10 minutes)
- Choose a dedicated auto-recovery folder on a separate drive
We recommend testing the auto-recovery feature periodically to ensure it's working correctly. This can be done by intentionally force-quitting Photoshop and checking if your work is recoverable.
Remember to regularly save your work manually as well, as the auto-recovery feature is not a replacement for proper file management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dealing with scratch disk issues in Photoshop on Mac can be frustrating. We've compiled answers to common questions to help you troubleshoot and prevent these problems effectively.
How can I clear my scratch disk on a Mac without opening Photoshop?
To clear your scratch disk without opening Photoshop, we recommend deleting temporary files. Navigate to your Mac's scratch disk location, typically the system drive. Look for files with .tmp or .pst extensions and delete them.
You can also use disk cleanup tools to remove unnecessary files and free up space on your Mac's hard drive.
What steps should I follow to empty a scratch disk in Photoshop on Mac?
To empty a scratch disk in Photoshop on Mac, first close Photoshop. Then, go to Photoshop > Preferences > Scratch Disks. Change the scratch disk location to a drive with more free space if available.
Next, delete Photoshop's cache files. These are usually found in ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop [version]/Cache.
Why does Photoshop report 'scratch disks are full' even when there is space available?
Photoshop may report 'scratch disks are full' even with available space due to fragmented disk space or corrupted preference files. Disk fragmentation can prevent Photoshop from allocating continuous space for scratch disks.
Corrupted preference files can also cause this error. Resetting Photoshop preferences often resolves this issue.
How do I resolve a full scratch disk issue to open Photoshop on my Mac?
To resolve a full scratch disk issue and open Photoshop, we suggest holding Command + Option + Shift while launching the app. This bypasses the current scratch disk settings and allows you to reset preferences.
Once open, reconfigure your scratch disk settings to use a drive with more free space.
What are the best practices for managing scratch disk space in Photoshop on Mac?
To manage scratch disk space effectively, we recommend regularly clearing your Mac's cache and temporary files. Keep at least 20% of your hard drive free for optimal Photoshop performance.
Consider using an external SSD as a dedicated scratch disk. This provides additional fast storage without taking up space on your main drive.
Is there a way to bypass the 'scratch disk full' error in Photoshop?
While it's not recommended as a long-term solution, you can temporarily bypass the 'scratch disk full' error. Hold down Command + Option when starting Photoshop to temporarily increase the scratch disk size.
This allows you to open Photoshop and save your work. However, address the underlying issue promptly to prevent future problems.
